Developing ruckman Tim English was a shining light in an otherwise disappointing day for the Footscray Bulldogs, who fell to Williamstown by 10 points on Saturday afternoon at Burbank Oval.

Getting his hand to 52 hit outs, English was influential all over the ground, winning 18 possessions, taking three important overhead marks and laying four tackles.

Captain Angus Monfries (14 disposals, four marks) continued his impressive form, booting three majors, while Fergus Greene (11 disposals, two marks) also kicked three goals of his own.

Shane Biggs stood out in defence, collecting 18 disposals and seven marks, while defender Fletcher Roberts proved pivotal in the backline, collecting 14 disposals and taking three marks.

The Dogs led by 20 points at the final change, but the Seagulls slammed on five unanswered goals to start the last term.

The Bulldogs fought back late, but it wasn’t enough to get over the line.

Moving into the forward line in the third term, Lewis Young (15 disposals, six marks, two tackles) put in another solid performance, while developing midfielder Callum Porter played an impressive four quarters, collecting 15 disposals and laying four tackles.

The Bulldogs have a bye next week, before they take on Frankston at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday August 4 at 2pm.

Footscray:                  2.2   3.4   8.8  10.11      (71)

Williamstown:            0.5   3.11  4.12  11.15    (81)

Best: Roberts, English, Biggs, Greene, McComb, Porter

Goals: A Monfries (3), F Greene (3), R William (2), A Panayi, A Tashevski-Beckwith

Disposals: W Hayes (25), S Biggs (18), T English (18), L Nash (18), B Olsson (18)